Book of condolence to be opened at City Hall in memory of former lord mayor

Tributes have been paid to the former lord mayor of Cork, Brian Bermingham, who passed away over the weekend.

A book of condolence is to be opened at City Hall at 2.30pm followed by a special meeting today at a later date.

A Cork City Council spokesperson said: “The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, will call a special meeting of Cork City Council on elected members’ agreement to pay tribute to former lord mayor Brian Bermingham, who died over the weekend.

“Brian Bermingham, a former Fine Gael and Progressive Democrats politician, was first elected to Cork City Council in 1979 and represented the people of Cork South West until 2009.

“He was elected the lord mayor of Cork in June 2008, 40 years after his father John Bermingham — who was elected in 1968. A book of condolence will also be opened by the lord mayor at City Hall.”

Mr Boyle expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Mr Bermingham.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Brian Bermingham, a councillor and former lord mayor whose family have had such a positive legacy in Cork.

“Brian’s father John was instrumental in setting up the Cope foundation, and Brian also dedicated his life to helping people through ongoing education and advocacy. He served his city well and will be remembered fondly by all those who he crossed paths with,” he said.

Fine Gael city councillor Shane O’Callaghan said: “I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of the former lord mayor of Cork, Brian Bermingham. Brian gave many years of service to Cork and it’s people as a city councillor and lord mayor, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke said he was “saddened” by the news.

“Brian served for over 30 years as a Cork city councillor. He will be sadly missed and my condolences to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”